Trial Date Set For Alledged Home Invader

A trial date has been set for a man accused in a South Shore home invasion more than 6 years ago.

Brian Hector Oickle has pleaded "NOT GUILTY" to breaking into a terminally-ill senior's home in Chelsea in July 2005, tying her up and stealing some 30-thousand dollars in cash.
Oickle is facing 5 charges including forcible confinement, robbery, break and enter and possession of stolen property.  He's also charged with cocaine possession stemming from an incident in Truro in the same year (2005).  Oickle will remain in jail until his trial date ... May 17th.

SSRSB puts four more schools up for review

Four more schools are heading to the review process. The South Shore Regional School Board has added Newcombville Elementary, New Ross Consolidated, New Germany Rural High and New Germany Elementary to the list of schools to be reviewed this year. Six other schools have been approved for the review process including Bridgewater Junior/Senior High, Petite Riviere Elementary, Gold River-Western Shore, Pentz, Hebbville Academy and Mill Village. Board Member Judith Sullivan-Corney says the review of the four schools goes hand-in-hand with the six other schools.

"Especially the small schools; Pentz, Petite, Hebbville and Newcombville because there are several different configurations or different potential ideas that could be explored if the four of them are under review at the same time."

Three schools will not be reviewed. Sullivan-Corney says she believes its important schools goes through the process.

"I think there are many opportunities and potential that we need to look at and I don't think we can do so without doing school review, without getting community input and without understanding the vision the community has for good education for their students."

Sullivan-Corney says she delayed making a ruling on the four schools until Wednesday night to gather more information and make an informed decision. The review process can lead to schools being closed, upgraded or consolidated. Next up will be an in-depth analysis of each school, expected to begin in the next few weeks.

SSRSB expected to rule on schools delayed for possible review

A decision is expected to come Wednesday night on the possibility of reviewing four more Lunenburg County schools. The South Shore Regional School Board delayed making a decision on New Ross Consolidated, Newcombville Elementary and both New Germany schools during its February 22 meeting. Bridgewater Junior/Senior High, Petite Riviere Elementary, Gold River-Western Shore, Pentz, Hebbville Academy and Mill Village have been identified for review this year. Aspotogan, North Queens and Greenfield will not be reviewed. The review process has many options including recommending a facility be closed, upgraded or consolidated. The board meeting gets started at 7pm Wednesday night in Bridgewater.

South Shore MLA's Prepare for NDP Convention

A number of South Shore MLA's will be in Toronto for this weekend's NDP leadership convention. Denise Peterson-Rafuse, Vicki Conrad and Pam Birdsall have all confirmed their attendance for the two-day event. Seven candidates are vying to become the party's next leader. Conrad and Birdsall announced in January they would support Toronto MP Peggy Nash in her leadership bid. However, Thomas Mulcair, Brian Topp and Nathan Cullen have emerged as the main contenders in the race which at one point featured nine candidates. Peterson-Rafuse has not indicated who she plans to support. The next leader of the federal NDP will be known sometime Saturday afternoon.

Negotiations underway to sell Former Post Office

A century-old King Street property could soon be off the real estate market. Canada Post spokesperson Lori Lancaster confirms to CKBW and HANK-FM News negotiations are underway to sell the old Canada Post building. Lancaster couldn't divulge many details regarding the potential sale. She says a buyer has stepped forward, but can't say who it is. There has been no indication about what the future use of the building would be. The Bridgewater property has been for sale since 2010. According to the town's Heritage Advisory Committee, a document reveals the building was built in 1909.

South Shore Residents Will Benefit From A Provincial Tax Cut

As the province prepares to unveil its budget for the coming year, the finance minister says one thing you can bet on and win ... will be a cut in income taxes.  Graham Steele says with the deficit coming down dramatically and the economy improving, such a tax cut would be only right. Canadian Taxpayers Federation Atlantic Director Kevin Lacey commends the minister for realizing South Shore residents and others province-wide pay the highest taxes in the country. He says: "This is a step in the right direction ... the government finally admitting that Nova Scotians pay too much tax and now it sounds like they're going to try and do something about it." The federation says high taxes is one of the biggest problems facing the provincial economy. Lacey says the province has the highest taxes in all of Canada relative to the size of its economy. He says "addressing the problem is going to help jump-start the economy, by taking money out of the hands of government and putting it where it counts, in the hands of the average South Shore resident and others across the province."  The budget comes down April 3rd.
The finance minister also says his deficit forecast for the 2011-12 fiscal year has dropped to 261-million dollars from the 365-million he was projecting back in December.

New Lunenburg School Is High-Tech Energy Efficient

Its quite a day, getting used to new surroundings in a brand new learning facility! Bluenose Academy in Lunenburg is welcoming its students and staff on this first day of school. It's considered one of the most energy efficient buildings in the province, featuring a solar wall, wood pellet boiler and is heated using solar energy. The green roof in the gym is covered with local plants and moss while the architectural design honours the historic town. Lunenburg Mayor Lawrence MaWhinney says.... he's impressed! The mayor tells us ... "I think they've done an excellent job in getting all of the bits and pieces together that are a part of modern technology. My only hope is that it will be as durable as what they built 117 years ago!" The academy will be home to 570 students and replaces the 117 year old Lunenburg Academy and the newer Centre Consolidated and Riverport Elementary schools. A date for an official grand opening ceremony has not been set yet.

Fundraising continues for Olympic hopeful

Fundraising efforts continue for Olympic hopeful Jenna Martin. Co-chairperson for Jenna's Run for London 2012, Kevin Hayward, says they're nearing their fundraising mark.

"The community support here has been absolutely tremendous for Jenna to date, but a lot of her training is funding that she has to raise herself, so we still have a goal of between $10,000 to $15,000 to get Jenna to the Olympics this August."

Hayward says the last three months have been quiet, mainly because Martin has been training in Florida. He says the remaining money needed will go towards helping Martin compete across the world before the Canadian Olympic trials in June. To help Jenna Martin reach the London Olympics, you can provide a financial donation by calling Kevin Hayward at (902) 543-6090.

MODL provides lifeline for Osprey Ridge Golf Course

Another step in the waiting game to find a possible buyer for Osprey Ridge Golf Course. The Municipality of Lunenburg has approved a temporary borrowing resolution to pay a balloon payment of $2.9-million to the Municipal Finance Corporation. The municipality issued a default notice to operators of Osprey Ridge last September and assumed title of the property in December. CAO Tammy Wilson says council could have decided to pull money from their own reserves.

"That would put the municipality in a position where we'd be depleting our reserves to address this issue. We are developing a marketing strategy and hopefully being able to market the golf course in the near future and because of that we chose a three-year loan as opposed to anything longer."

The Minister of Service Nova Scotia will need to approve the temporary borrowing resolution. The balloon payment is due in May.

Yarmouth Chases Down 'Hockeyville' title

On-line and telephone voting is intense as Yarmouth chases the crown to become Canada's Hockeyville. The town is one of five across the country in the running for the 100-thousand dollar prize and chance to host an NHL pre-season game. Mayor Phil Mooney says its an uphill battle with a place like Kelowna, BC for instance, having the potential for 2-million votes. "People right across southwestern Nova Scotia have been contacting everybody they know to cast one, one-hundred or one-thousand votes for Yarmouth," Voting can be done online at http://www.krafthockeyville.ca/ or by calling 1-866-533-8066.  The other communities in the running are Amos, Quebec; Stirling-Rawdon, Ontario; West Duck Lake, Saskatchewan; and West Kelowna, BC. The deadline is midnight tonight and Canada's top hockey community will be announced March 31st.

Judge To Render Decision In Whitney-Joudrey Case

A South Shore woman has testifed that she felt her life was threatened before she thrust a knife into her boyfriend's neck and stabbed him repeatedly. Katelin Whitney-Joudrey said yesterday she saw ``utter hatred'' in Kiel Naugler's eyes before she used the knife on him on New Year's Day 2011. Whitney-Joudrey was testifying on the third day of her trial on two counts of aggravated assault and one count of assault with a weapon. Prosecutor Leigh-Ann Bryson told the accused she could have taken the option of simply leaving the scene, rather than acting violently. Defence lawyer Alan Ferrier said testimony has shown the couple's relationship was based on addiction to drugs and they argued frequently. Judge Jim Burrill will make his ruling in the case next Monday.

Businesses Affected By Ferry Loss Urged To Submit Their Stories of Tough Times

Former Yarmouth Ferry, "The Cat"

Businesses along the South Shore and across the western part of the province can voice their concerns and frustrations over lost revenues, jobs and the overall economic impact of no ferry service. There's a new website for them to do so, launched by the Nova Scotia International Ferry Partnership. The ultimate goal is re-establishment of the link to Maine. Yarmouth mayor Phil Mooney tells us its a means of pitching a business case to the province. He says "one of our biggest supporters has been Mayor John Leefe in Queens and Mayor Don Downe (in Lunenburg). The percentage of business thats been lost at White Point Beach. Those are major players on the South Shore, large employers and they've been affected by the loss of the ferry. So, we want to get those stories, build the business case again and get those facts and figures." Mayor Mooney also says its not a matter of "if" a ferry service will be re-established. Its more like .. "when"! He says it will take government help though to set up.

Public Meeting to discuss Eagleridge Estates

A meeting to explore changing Olde Town golf course into housing units goes this week. Town officials and the developer are expected to be on-hand during a public participation session at 6pm Wednesday night in council chambers. Planning Director. Eric Shaw, says he expects some people to be upset over a golf course closing.

"Certainly at this meeting, that will be mentioned but the focus really is regarding the proposal, the development proposal, and the specifics associated with that."

The town of Bridgewater and Genivar Inc. are currently looking at building 157 units in the first phase of the proposed Eagleridge Estates. The meeting will discuss amendments to the town's Land-Use by-law and Municipal Planning Strategy.

Animal activist heading to Bridgewater

Education and Awareness; two things being promoted by Gene Baur. The president and co-founder of Farm Sanctuary, an animal protection organization, will visit Bridgewater Wednesday to hold a public discussion about the abuses of factory farming and the need for people to change their eating habits. Baur says there's lots to talk about.

"I'll just be talking about some of the things I've seen at factory-stocked farms, some of the conditions that exist commonly in the production of meat, milk and eggs; conditions most people are appalled by. But then, I'll also be talking about solutions, about ways we can eat that will not support that sort of factory farming but instead support a more sustainable healthy eating system."

Baur says switching to a healthier diet would reduce health-care costs, and limit the amount of people suffering from illnesses like heart disease. The public discussion goes Wednesday night from 7-8:30pm at Park View Education Centre.

Yarmouth in final five for Hockeyville 2012

Courtesy of the Yarmouth County Vanguard

A western Nova Scotia community is among the finalists of a national sports challenge. Yarmouth is the top Atlantic Canadian town in Kraft Food's Hockeyville 2012. It will compete for the crown as the nation's top hockey community. Yarmouth will also be competing to host a 2012-13 NHL pre-season game at the local arena. If it does, $100,000 in rink upgrades will be undertaken. The other communities in the running for the coveted crown are Amos, Quebec; Stirling-Rawdon, Ontario; West Duck Lake, Saskatchewan; and West Kelowna, BC. Voting is underway now until Tuesday night at midnight,  online at www.krafthockeyville.ca, on your mobile device (available only via www.krafthockeyville.ca through your mobile browser) or by calling 1-866-533-8066. On Saturday, March 31st, the winner will be announced live on CBC's Hockey Night in Canada.

New Life for South Shore Big Brothers Big Sisters

It's a huge turn around for South Shore Big Brothers Big Sisters. The organization is rebounding after some financial problems almost crippled the group. Director Sandra Murray says local MLA's have worked to secure just over $9,000 through the department of community services. She says the money will help bridge the gap until they can access grant money in the new fiscal year. "I feel this community understand the value of raising our children as a village and seeing that these one on one mentorship programs that Big Brothers Big Sisters provides is extremely preventative in nature as well as creating life long relationships and creating community minded citizens," Meanwhile, the Rotary Club will donate all the proceeds from this weekend's curling fun spiel in Bridgewater to Big Brothers Big Sisters. Murray says after a rough stretch, the future is a lot brighter.

Flu Outbreak: Queens Manor Closed to Public

The Queens Manor in Liverpool is closed to the public because of a flu outbreak. Infection control nurse Sandra Woodford says 11 patients are currently dealing with flu like symptoms. She says staff want to be cautious and limit the spread of the virus. "We've had a few cases and we want to keep it contained, so we're doing what we should be doing - which is close the building to family, visitors and volunteers. We will be closed until there are no  new cases, so its hard to say how long we will be closed," Staff are asking family and visitors to call the manor with any questions they have. The closure is in effect until further notice.

Hurricanes lose in semi-final; win bronze

Another tough loss for the Western Hurricanes. The major bantam hockey club suffered a 3-2 loss Sunday to the Bedford Barons in the semi-finals of the provincial championships in Liverpool. The Hurricanes were ranked #1 after going 4-0 during the round robin. Ty Duffus and Jordan Messenger scored for the Hurricanes while Aaron Mantle suffered the loss in goal. The Bay Gulls won the championship game 3-1 over the Bedford.

Provincial PC's Launch Fish Study

PC Leader Jamie Baillie

A study will be undertaken by provincial Conservatives, examining the region's fishing industry. They particularly want to determine what can be done to help aquaculture and the wild fishery survive, side by side, here on the South Shore and elsewhere.
Leader Jamie Baillie says the party's fisheries critic will be travelling the province in the coming weeks: "to meet with all sides, pro and con, to get all the evidence so we can make a smart decision about how to go forward with a sustainable, wild fishery, lobster fishery, as example and whether we can risk a co-habitation between fish farms and our natural fishery."
Baillie says findings of the study will help formulate party policy on the fishery and how to expand it and increase jobs.

Bridgewater Mayor here to stay until October

Bridgewater's mayor plans to man the helm until October. Carroll Publicover says he will finish his term of mayor until municipal elections October 20.

"I see that as a commitment I've made to the community and I don't like to leave things undone. I want to get as much done as I can, be a part of positive and progressive growth in the community between now and October."

Publicover wouldn't get into details about what he planned to do after finishing mayoral duties. He says he has a number of things in the works, but isn't commenting at this time.

Yarmouth Catches Hockeyville Fever

Hockey fans in Yarmouth could have a lot to cheer about this weekend. The MHL Bent Division finals kick-off on Saturday night at the Mariners Centre. In addition, CBC Sports is also expected to reveal the top five communities in Canada to go on the final round of the Kraft Hockeyville contest. Yarmouth is one of the communities in the running to take home the top prize in the contest. The winner receives $100,000 for arena upgrades, not to mention an NHL pre-season game. Both municipal units in Yarmouth have made financial contributions for two huge banners to promote their Hockeyville bid which will be unveiled at the Mariners game this weekend.

Homeless Youth Shelter Facing Possible Shutdown

Yarmouth MLA: Zach Churchill

A shelter for homeless youth in the Yarmouth area may have to shutdown within a few weeks if the province stops financially covering its monthly operations.  The government has been picking up a 25-thousand dollar monthly deficit at the Supportive Housing Youth Focus Team.  A shelter official says though, that will stop after this month. Yarmouth Liberal MLA Zach Churchill tells us, he's appalled.
He says: "Its unbelievable that the government is willing to funnel clients into the shelter, that there's a lineup of homeless youth waiting to get in and we have a model service thats actually working and the government refuses to fund it. Its absolutely mind-blowing!"  Churchill says the government will essentially be putting kids back on the street.  However, Community Services Minister Denise Peterson-Rafuse says providing beds around the clock is not sustainable.

Yarmouth Man Fit To Stand Trial

Gordon Frank Nickerson

A Yarmouth-area man charged in an alleged abduction of two women last month in Wedgeport has been deemed fit to stand trial. Gordon Frank Nickerson faces charges including kidnapping with a firearm, sexual assault with a weapon and break and enter. The 35-year-old made an appearance yesterday in Kentville provincial court. The case returns to court on April 5th.

Lobster Fishery Could Be Hurt By Careless Fishermen: DFO Official

Lobster Vessels Tied-Up In Port

A 35-hundred dollar fine has been handed a South Shore lobster fisherman. Elmer Leon Jollymore of Little Tancook Island pleaded guilty in Bridgewater court this week to a charge of having undersized and egg-bearing lobsters in his catch. DFO officers were carrying out a routine inspection at the government wharf in Blandford last November, when they found six undersized lobsters in an initial inspection of Jollymore's catch. A more detailed search of 14 crates uncovered 12 undersized lobsters and two bearing eggs in more than 576 kilograms of lobster. DFO conservation officer Bill Wolfe of Liverpool says the charges are serious and the consequences dangerous to the fishery.
He says: "You can imagine if there's anywhere between three and six thousand eggs or more on one single egg-bearing lobster, if that lobster is not left in the water, those eggs are not going to survive."  By the way, as for Jollymore, he has already paid the 35-hundred dollar fine.

Queens Museum Plans Expansion with Acadia First Naion

The Queens County Museum plans to expand its operation in a unique partnership with the Acadia First Nation. The expansion will nearly double the size of the exhibition gallery and cost $3.5 million dollars. Nearly all of the exhibits would be refurbished in addition to creating a new wing dedicated to first nation artifacts. Museum Director Linda Rafuse says part of their goal is to showcase the rich history in Queens. "We've been able to remain so positive about the project and the partnership even though we've had such an economical turn down in this community. You know, that hasn't scared us away, we're still hoping to play our part. We want to play a major role in bringing people back to Queens county," Rafuse says the expansion project has the support of the Region of Queens but organizers have yet to officially make a funding request. The museum will have to fundraise around $350,000 for the project - which could be completed in two or three years.

LaHave Manor to look for new home in Bridgewater

The chair of the LaHave Manor Corporation says they aren't deterred by the unavailability of a certain home in Bridgewater. Elmer Garber says the Evergreen Road location is ideal for a group home because it is one level, has a built-in wheelchair ramp and is in a quiet residential neighbourhood. Garber says whether the home is residential or institutional should be open for interpretation.

"We're trying to integrate disabled people into the community, we're set up for that purpose. So, we really didn't think that this was an institutional setting, it's trying to make sure that the disabled are integrated in society into the least restrictive environment."

Bridgewater's planning director, Eric Shaw, says Evergreen Road is classified as low density residential and cannot accommodate any institutional-type development. Garber says they aren't deterred by the bad news.

"We can certainly work within the parameters of the zoning by-laws of the town of Bridgewater. Now that we know that we're not regarded as being residential, that it's institutional, we realize that we have to move to an institutional zone or commercial zone or some other zone that isn't low density housing."

Garber says the potential home in Bridgewater would house five clients. He's hoping to find a new location and setup the home in the next few months.

Hurricanes open provincials with win

A good start for the Western Hurricanes at provincials. The local major bantam hockey club earned a 4-1 win over the Newbridge Academy Senators to open the tournament. Isaac Bridge, Matt Quigley, Scott Perry and Ty Duffus scored for the Canes while Aaron Mantle got the win in goal. Head Coach Brad Muise says it was a good defensive effort from his club.

"We played well defensively, all five guys took care defensively in their own zone and battled hard. We limited their chances, so we knew it was just a matter of time for our goals to start coming."

Muise says his club played well despite fighting some early nerves to start the game, outshooting the Senators 25-9. The Hurricanes take on the Bedford Barons Friday at 2pm at Queens Place in Liverpool.

The Best Spot to Celebrate St. Paddy's Day is......

If you're of Irish-descent and looking to attend a party for a short-time and not a long-time, try travelling to one of the key destinations around the world for St. Patrick's Day.
Saint Patrick's Day is on Saturday this year and more reason to get out of town for a couple of days and celebrate the birthday of Ireland's patron saint.
Our travel expert, Brian Simpson of "Travelocity.ca", tells us Toronto, Boston and New York are sure bets for fun times.
But, there are some places you'd never expect though ... like Buenos Aires, Argentina, which has the world's 5th largest Irish population.
Then there's Montreal, with the oldest St. Patrick's Day Parade on the continent.
Simpson says: "Like Buenos Aires, its sort of shocking with it being so French-centric. The people in Quebec say about 5.5 percent of them have some sort of Irish roots ... so again some strong Irish connection to Quebec!"
If you're looking for that perfect Irish getaway this weekend, Brian Simpson has created a list of the best spots for the best prices at "Travelocity.ca".

Minor Damage After Fire at South Shore Concrete Plant

No major damage after a fire at a concrete plant last night on Cornwall Road. More than 30 firefighters from Cornwall and Blockhouse responded to a blaze at Lawrence Veinotte Enterprises around 7 o'clock. Fire Chief Steve Patterson says members were on the scene for almost four hours but were able to contain the blaze quickly. He described damage to the facility as minimal. The fire began in the back part of the plant but its cause is still under investigation. The family owned business has been in operation since 1976 and is located about ten minutes off Exit 11 on Highway 103.

Lobster Fisherman Receives Stiff Fine

Egg Bearing Lobster

A South Shore lobster fisherman has been fined $3,500. for having undersized and egg-bearing lobsters in his catch. Elmer Leon Jollymore of Little Tancook Island pleaded guilty to the offences in Bridgewater provincial court earlier this week.
DFO officers were conducting a routine inspection at the government wharf in Blandford last November 30th, when they found six undersized lobsters in an initial inspection of Jollymore's catch.
A more detailed search of 14 crates uncovered 12 undersized lobsters and two bearing eggs in more than 576 kilograms of lobster.
Jollymore has already paid the fine.

Evergreen Road not suitable for group home: Bridgewater Planning Director

It's a part of town that just isn't feasible. Bridgewater planning director Eric Shaw says LaHave Manor was inquiring about setting up a group home or home for special-care on Evergreen Road. Shaw says the problem is that part of town is classified as low density residential. He adds, since it is a secondary street, there cannot be any institutional-type development to accommodate a group home or home for special-care unless it fronts onto a primary road. Shaw says the town has many other places where a group home could go.

"We pride ourselves very much on being a very inclusive community that accommodates all sorts of different needs and this type of use is permitted you know, I would guess on hundreds, if not, over 1000 properties in town. But on this particular street, in this particular zone, it is not permitted."

Shaw says he would love to explore other options that would better suit LaHave Manor's needs.

MODL sends letter, awaits response on Centre Consolidated takeover

The mayor of the Municipality of Lunenburg says the ball is now in the province's court. Don Downe confirms he has sent a letter to local MLAs, the minister responsible and the premier regarding the takeover of Centre Consolidated. He says the municipality is not accepting the takeover and want to work with the province to come to an agreement.

"We just want to find a better solution than what we've got. We just can't afford, and the taxpayers cannot afford to take these schools and spend hundreds of thousands of dollars tearing them down or millions of dollars renovating them and we don't have the money to do it."

He says the municipality has spent thousands of dollars demolishing the Centre Jail, and have inherited the Blockhouse School and Riverport Community School. Downe says in the letter, he requests a meeting with provincial officials to see what can be done.

Western Hurricanes prepare to host provincials

The Western Hurricanes are out for redemption after losing in the semi-finals of last year's provincials. The major Bantam hockey club is hosting provincials beginning Thursday at the new Queens Place in Liverpool. The team is the number one seed heading into the tournament. But Head Coach Brad Muise doesn't consider his club to be the favourite.

"The difference between number one and numbers three or four or five in this league is minimal and no we definitely don't consider ourselves the favourite, we consider ourselves definitely a contender."

Muise says he likes his team playing on the bigger ice surface at Queens Place because they are built around speed. He says his team will need to be at its best to win the provincial title.

"It's been kind of our trademark all year that we out work a lot of teams and once we do that, it seems our skill level and our systems fall into place and takes care of itself but without that work ethic and desire any team in this tournament is going to be in trouble because its going to be hotly contested championship and the competition is pretty tough."

The Hurricanes face the Newbridge Academy Senators in the tournament opener today at 12 noon.

Full Schedule

Thursday, March 15^th, 2012

12 noon - Newbridge Academy vs. Western Hurricanes

2 pm - Cape Breton Cougars vs. Halifax Hawks

4 pm - Bedford Barons vs. Bay Gulls

6 pm - Opening Ceremonies

6:30 pm - Valley Wildcats vs. Newbridge Academy

Friday, March 16^th, 2012

 8 am - Halifax Hawks vs. Bedford Barons

10 am - Bay Gulls vs. Newbridge Academy

12 noon - Cape Breton Cougars vs. Valley Wildcats

2 pm - Western Hurricanes vs. Bedford Barons

4 pm - Newbridge Academy vs. Halifax Hawks

6 pm - Bay Gulls vs. Cape Breton Cougars

8 pm - Valley Wildcats vs. Western Hurricanes

Saturday, March 17^th, 2012

10 am - Western Hurricanes vs. Cape Breton Cougars

12 pm - Halifax Hawks vs. Bay Gulls

2 pm - Bedford Barons vs. Valley Wildcats

4:30 pm - Skills Competition

Top 4 teams from tournament play advance to semi-finals and are seeded based on tournament play

 Sunday, March 18^th, 2012

 8:30 am - 4 vs. 1

10:30 am - 3 vs. 2

2:00 pm - Championship Game 

MODL Council grants

Light notes from the municipal council meeting Tuesday March 13.

The Municipality of Lunenburg has approved a number of financial contributions for local projects including:

a $1,250 contribution for the Mi'kmaq Acadien Cultural Festival and Reunion on August 17 and 18 at the Fort Point Museum through the Municipal National/Provincial Event Grant Policy;

a $1,000 contribution from the current budget as well as $1,000 from the 2012-13 budget for the Atlantic Regional Firefit Championship being hosted by the Bridgewater Fire Department from July 19-21, 2013;

 a sponsorship banner at a cost up to $350.00 to use at the Atlantic Regional Firefit Championship and other local events.

Gary L. Wentzell hockey tournament begins

The Bridgewater and Lunenburg arenas are about to become a hotbed for minor hockey. Over 500 players will play in the Gary L. Wentzell Hockey tournament, kicking off at 8am Thursday morning. Teams from Queens, Shelburne, Acadia, Western Valley, Yarmouth, Antigonish and as far as New Brunswick will compete in six divisions including Atom 'A', Peewee 'B' and Bantam 'A'. The tournament goes until Sunday.

Building applications down in MODL

The Municipality of Lunenburg has received less applications to build this year compared to 2011. CAO Tammy Wilson says they have received 530 applications, compared to 535 at this point last year. February was a better month for the municipality, with 39 building applications this year to only 13 in 2011. She says its important because construction activity is an employment generator, but it also means their tax base is expanding and reduces the burden on the existing residential tax base. The 39 building applications received are 19 residential, 18 industrial and two demolition and are worth almost $1.9-million.

Bridgewater councillor recovering after heart surgery

Patrick Hirtle

Bridgewater council welcomed member Patrick Hirtle back this week after successfully undergoing heart surgery. The 29-year-old returned to council just two-and-a-half weeks after getting his aortic valve and most of his aortic root removed and replaced with Dacron tubing. Hirtle says its a frustrating situation for him to be in.

"The artificial valve they put in should last something on the order of 20-30 years before it needs to be replaced again, but of course, I have to go on blood thinners and as someone who is young and fairly active and plays a lot of softball, a lot of hockey, that sort of thing, I have to be extra careful not to, you know, make sure I suffer any significant cuts or anything like that because obviously the bleeding is going to be much more difficult to control now."

Hirtle says he's been advised to keep a low physical activity level including lots of rest and daily walks. He says he has lots of time right now to think about his future. Hirtle doesn't know if he'll have a very active lifestyle again.

"Am I ever going to get back to playing in a ball hockey tournament or on the ice at the rink or am I going to be able to play softball because at this stage, I really don't know what my physical limitations are going to be. This latest procedure was something completely new for me and I don't know what the long-term ramifications of having a synthetic valve in there are going to be."

He says there has been incredible support from family, friends and residents throughout the County. Hirtle expects to recover within six to eight weeks. The full interview with Patrick Hirtle can be heard on this weekend's South Shore Sunday Morning program from 8-9am on HANK-FM and 9-10am on CKBW.

St. Margarets Bay Residents Again Blast Province Over Connector Road Issue

Sean Kirby

The province jumped the gun and decided on a route for a planned road connecting highways 103 and 3 in St. Margarets Bay. That comment from area residents' spokesman Sean Kirby who says the transportation department paid no heed to the need to first undertake an environmental assessment on the route.
He says its another example of what he calls the government's strong-arm tactics in pushing ahead with the road. Kirby says: "At some point when an environmental assessment is completed, maybe this summer, we'll get a copy of it and have a chance to look at it. But right now, I think its further evidence of how inappropriately the government has been handling this issue."
St. Margarets Bay residents still haven't heard a decision yet by the supreme court on their attempt in January during a hearing to force the government to release uncensored documents pertaining to planning for the connector road.

More ER Shutdowns At "Fishermen's"

There's another South Shore hospital emergency room closure and at a location, familiar to this sort of thing! The ER at Fishermen's Memorial in Lunenburg is closed until 3:30 this afternoon.
Another shutdown is scheduled on Thursday night from 10:30 until 3:30 Friday afternoon. A hospital official says the closures result from a shortage of doctors.
Liberal health critic Leo Glavine says the NDP government was elected on a promise to improve ER service but that hasn't been happening.
He says: "Lunenburg County is one of six counties in the province that continues to keep its population, in fact growing some. I think we have to be cognizant of that and respond accordingly with good, strong emergency room service."
Glavine suggests the government set up a central data bank of emergency room doctors available province-wide and when a shortage develops in an ER, they can be sent there to cover-off a shift or two.

Car accident reportedly causes Power Outage

There was a huge power outage in Lunenburg County Tuesday night and for many people it seemed like it would never end. The power went out just before 6pm in places like Blockhouse, parts of Lunenburg, New Germany, Bakers Settlement and Calidonia. Nova Scotia Power says it was the result of a car accident, bringing down power lines in Barss Corner. Power wasn't restored until 2 o'clock Wednesday morning to the hundreds of NSP customers affected.

MODL awards landfill closure contract to Dartmouth group

A Dartmouth company has been awarded the contract for final landfill closure at the Lunenburg Regional Community Recycling Center. The Municipality of the District of Lunenburg selected ABL Environmental for the design and engineering services of phase two and three at a cost of almost $194,000 including HST. The project had a budget of $200,000. Mayor Don Downe says it's nice to see it remained under budget. The Municipality received five submissions for the project, with every proposal coming from either Halifax or Dartmouth. During phases two and three of the Landfill Remediation project, permanent caps will be put over the landfill cells at the LRCRC to protect the environment.

Keddy announces funding for Osprey Arts Centre

The Osprey Arts Centre is adding film equipment to its operation. South Shore - St. Margaret's MP Gerald Keddy announced funding to the Shelburne Centre Tuesday to help it buy a cinema-quality multimedia projector and projection screen to offer film screenings for local audiences. The new film equipment will also be used by a variety of performers such as dance and theatre organizations, musical groups, and the Maritime Concert Opera. The Government of Canada provided funding of $10,690 through the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage. The Osprey Arts Centre also plans to use the new film equipment in workshops for youth and adults to help people develop an interest in film making.

Two Temporary Emergency Dept Closures at Fishermen's Memorial

A couple of closures are expected this week in the emergency department at Fishermen's Memorial Hospital in Lunenburg. The first closure will begin Tuesday night at 10:30PM and last until 3:30PM Wednesday afternoon. The second closure will occur on Thursday night at 10:30PM with the emergency department expected to re-open at 3:30 on Friday afternoon. Anyone requiring emergency care during those times should call 9-1-1 or visit the South Shore Regional Hospital in Bridgewater.

Accused in Chester Basin Murder Appears in Court

The lawyer for an 18 year old man charged with second degree murder says his client will fight the charge. Pat MacEwen told reporters John Buckley maintains his innocence in relation to the death of 57 year-old Victoria Buckley. The accused teenager tried to address Judge Jim Burrill during a brief court appearance this afternoon but later declined on the advice of his lawyer. "I didn't know what he wanted to say at that point essentially he wanted to advise everyone in the room that he is maintaining his innocence and is looking forward to having this matter dealt with," John Buckley was arrested on Monday at the Atlantica Hotel in Western Shore and is accused of killing his mother on March 1st in Chester Basin. Her body was found the next morning at a home on Borgels Point Road. The case has been put over until April 11th.

Son charged with second degree murder

Charges have been laid in the death of a Chester Basin woman. RCMP say John (Jack) Buckley is charged with second degree murder in the death of 57-year-old Victoria Brauns-Buckley. The 18-year-old is appearing in Bridgewater Provincial Court Tuesday morning. Staff Sgt. Bruce Hill says RCMP aren't releasing information on how Brauns-Buckley died.

"That's part of the investigation that's now before the court, so I can't comment on that."

Sgt. Hill says they arrested the 18-year-old son Monday morning. Brauns-Buckley was found dead in her home on Borgels Point Road March 2.

Yarmouth Town Council Supports E-Voting

The Town of Yarmouth will introduce e-voting in time for municipal election in October. Council voted to eliminate the traditional paper ballot and polling booth in exchange for electronic voting by computer or phone. They will also do away with proxy voting in favour of voting electronically. Voters will be given a PIN number and use their date of birth when logging on to vote or calling in by phone. Mayor Phil Mooney hopes the move will increase voter turnout and adds the town will likely offer assitance for seniors so they can still vote. The town of Bridgewater will also move towards e-voting but residents will still give voters the option to use the paper ballots as well.  The municipality of Chester is looking at a similar style of voting for the upcoming election.

Seahawks holding learn-to-play football sessions

The South Shore Seahawks are holding free Try-Learn-Play tackle football sessions. The sessions are for kids between the ages of 9-12 and helps introduce the game to both girls and boys. President of the Seahawks minor football club, Gary Linthorne, says kids will get involved in a number of drills.

"Agility drills, hand offs, teaching a person how to receive a hand off, take a snap, give a snap, kick the ball, kids will have a chance to put on some equipment; helmet and shoulder pads and we'll let them run into a blocking dummy."

Tuesday night's session goes from 6-8pm at Bridgewater High School. All kids have to do is show up to play.
Another session is scheduled for Thursday night from 6-8pm at Forest Heights Community School.

Local Boxing Club seeking new home

A local boxing group is looking for a new home. The South Shore Boxing club is looking for a place to set up its equipment including a ring and heavy bags after leaving its former location at 416 King Street in Bridgewater. Club members Jared Mitchell and Brian Falkenham made a presentation to Bridgewater council Monday night. Mitchell is hoping council can help them search for a new location.

"I know there is a lot of empty buildings in Bridgewater, I don't know how accessible they are to you, you know the owners, you know more than I would about this and I'm just asking for a helping hand."

Mayor Carroll Publicover says it will be a challenge to find a place, but council will look into the matter.

Owner renovating 99 Aberdeen Road in Bridgewater

The so-called 'blight' at 99 Aberdeen Road in Bridgewater is getting renovated. Building owner Frank Rhyno says he is completely refurbishing the roof, gutting the inside of the property and turning the building into rental suites. He says he plans to turn the front section into four or five spaces for people to rent. Rhyno says the time is right to improve the building's look.

"Well, I guess the bottom line is I've been sitting on this eyesore, as some people call it, long enough without doing anything, so I've come to the conclusion that you can't take it with you so I might as well put some money on it."

 Rhyno doesn't know how much he will need to spend, but adds, he will buy supplies on a day-by-day basis. He says the changes are necessary after four years of the building being vacant. Work began on the property Monday, and Rhyno expects a number of changes to be made by the end of the week.

Temporary Shut Down at Bowater Mersey

The Bowater Mersey Paper Mill will temporarily cease operations this morning. It's the beginning of a near three-week shut down at the mill. The decision was announced last month when the owner, Resolute Forest Products, said world paper markets were flooded with the product. The company also cited a shortage of new orders. It's the seconde shutdown at the Brooklyn mill since before Christmas, when it was closed for three weeks for the same reasons. Employees will return to work on March 28th.